Is Cheerleading a sport? One reporter’s quest to find out

By Charles Cook, Staff Writer
November 30, 2010

Just to clarify readers, no I am not the “official” Observer columnist, though many characterize me with traits pertaining to those of a young Ben Gloger. Well this month, my “informal” column addresses an issue that has just come to my attention: according to a legal judge ruling in a court... Read more »

Kid Cudi’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is an eerie wonder

Becky Price, Arts Editor
November 30, 2010

Two summers ago, a track titled “Day N’ Nite” hit music blogs and indie radars like wildfire. The artist, a blossoming rap phenomenon known as Kid Cudi, made his mark as the heavily remixed song caught the eye of Kanye West and eventually spiraled onto popular radio. A couple of months later, he... Read more »

Fatal teen accidents decline due to GDL programs

By Natalie Geisler, Editor-in-Chief
November 29, 2010

A recent study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found the number of fatal car crashes involving 16- and 17- year olds has declined between 2004 and 2008.   All vehicle-related fatalities have seen a decline, and from 2008 to 2009, the total reached its lowest amount since... Read more »

College Essays: 500 Words Doesn’t Make The Cut

By Maddy Jacobs, Online Features Editor
November 29, 2010

This opinion article will be approximately 550 words, give or take a few. How much will you learn about me or my topic in that span? Enough to offer me residency or perhaps some money? Not even close. This is what colleges expect; they want their applicants to reveal themselves and their entire past... Read more »

Futuristic Coke machine comes to California Tortilla

By Sophia Tapper, Staff Writer
November 29, 2010

Coca-Cola’s new coke dispenser, Coke Freestyle, offers over 100 different soda flavors, and will soon replace the average drink dispenser at Cabin John Mall’s California Tortilla around Thanksgiving. The Freestyle’s dispenser automatically cools the drinks so there is no need for ice, although... Read more »

Winter Break

November 29, 2010

Title: Winter BreakDate: 2010-12-24

College Essays: 500 Words Doesn’t Make The Cut

By Maddy Jacobs, Online Features Editor
November 24, 2010

This opinion article will be approximately 550 words, give or take a few. How much will you learn about me or my topic in that span? Enough to offer me residency or perhaps some money? Not even close. This is what colleges expect; they want their applicants to reveal themselves and their entire past... Read more »

Edline Eliminates Need For Interim Reports

By Emily Plesset, Fact Checker
November 24, 2010

Though students’ grades are already available online, it is customary for MCPS students to have a half -day of school halfway through the marking period while teachers work on completing student interims to be subsequently mailed out to parents.  Because Edline already provides parents and students... Read more »

Seniors receive Potomac Youth of the Year Award

Jenna Cantor Observations Editor
November 24, 2010

Congratulations to seniors Danielle Collins and Ben Kramer for being named Potomac Co-Youth of the Year by the Potomac Chamber of Commerce. Kramer, who is a founding member of the CHS Key Club chapter, was nominated by Principal Joan Benz. “[Being named Youth of the year] is a confirmation that people... Read more »

Seniors Commended

Dana Youngentob Public Relations
November 24, 2010

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program for placing in the top 50,000 students who took the 2009 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Anwen Bai Anjali Belur Diana Bojanova Jean-Pierce Bouquet Kevin Chang Stephen Chang Mahak... Read more »